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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Washington County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Washington County, OH. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
20-40 mills total effective rate (varies by district), 7.25 mills base county rate
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Washington County, Ohio operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government, townships, and special districts. The county uses a millage-based system where property taxes are calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the applicable mill rate. For the 2025 tax year, the base county rate is estimated at 7.25 mills, though this rate will be officially certified by the state in mid-December 2025.

Property tax rates in Washington County vary significantly by location due to overlapping taxing jurisdictions including school districts, municipalities, townships, and special assessment districts. Total effective rates typically range from 20-40 mills depending on your specific location and the combination of local taxing authorities that serve your property. These taxes fund critical services such as public education, emergency services, road maintenance, libraries, and county operations.

The county assesses property at approximately 35% of market value, which is Ohio's standard assessment ratio for residential property. Property owners should note that various tax credits are available to reduce tax liability, but most require annual application and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General Fund1.50Basic county operations and services
County Permanent Rate1.05Ongoing county programs
School District15.0-25.0Varies by district (operational and bond levies)
Township/Municipality2.0-8.0Local government services
Library District1.5-3.0Public library systems
Emergency Services1.0-4.0Fire, EMS, and police services
Total Estimated Range22.0-42.5Varies by specific location

Rates shown are estimates for levy year 2025. Actual rates vary significantly based on your property's specific taxing districts. The Washington County Auditor's office maintains detailed rate information for each tax district within the county. Rates are subject to annual certification by the Ohio Department of Taxation.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Washington County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Washington County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership or improvements made after the annual assessment date. The most common triggers include new construction, major renovations that increase property value, or property transfers that result in reassessment at current market value.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in March, the county will assess the increased value and apply the current mill rate to that increase for the remaining 9 months of the tax year.

Property owners receive a separate supplemental tax bill that is typically due within 30 days of issuance. These taxes are in addition to your regular property tax payments and cannot be paid through your mortgage escrow account. The supplemental assessment becomes part of your base assessment for the following tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $105,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$8,750
  • Net Taxable Value: $96,250
  • Annual Tax (25 mills): $2,406
  • Monthly Escrow: $201

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $210,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$8,750
  • Net Taxable Value: $201,250
  • Annual Tax (28 mills): $5,635
  • Monthly Escrow: $470

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $350,000
  • Less: Senior/Disability Credit (if eligible): -$8,750
  • Net Taxable Value: $341,250
  • Annual Tax (32 mills): $10,920
  • Monthly Escrow: $910

Note: Tax credits require annual application and eligibility verification. Mill rates shown are estimates and vary by specific tax district. Contact the Washington County Auditor for your exact rate.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Washington County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, then pays your property taxes directly to the county when they become due. The monthly escrow amount is calculated by dividing your annual tax bill by 12, plus a small cushion as required by federal law.

Washington County property taxes are paid in two installments: the first half is due December 31st, and the second half is due June 30th of the following year. Your lender will typically pay these installments shortly before the due dates. You should receive annual escrow statements from your lender showing the tax payments made on your behalf and any adjustments to your monthly escrow amount.

If you pay your own taxes (no escrow), you can verify payments and view your tax history through the Washington County Auditor's online portal. Property owners are responsible for ensuring taxes are paid on time regardless of whether they use escrow or pay directly, as penalties and interest apply to all late payments.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Washington County for the current fiscal year? A: The first half payment is due December 31, 2025, and the second half is due June 30, 2026. Interest and penalties apply to late payments.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The Homestead Credit is available for qualifying seniors and disabled individuals, reducing taxes on up to $25,000 of assessed value. The Senior/Disabled Credit caps assessment increases. Both require annual application with income verification and are NOT automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits assessment increases to no more than 10% annually for qualifying seniors (65+) and disabled individuals with income under specified limits. You must apply annually with the County Auditor by the first Monday in June.

Q: When does the county reassess property values? A: Ohio requires counties to conduct reappraisals every six years and updates every three years. Washington County follows this schedule with the most recent countywide reappraisal determining current assessed values.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. First half payments made after December 31st and second half payments after June 30th are subject to these additional charges.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Washington County offers online payment options through the County Treasurer's website. Credit card, debit card, and electronic check payments are typically accepted with associated processing fees.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase when my assessment stayed the same? A: Tax increases can result from higher mill rates due to new local levies, bond issues, or increased operational costs for schools and local governments, even without assessment changes.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Washington County Board of Revision, typically within 30 days of receiving your tax bill or valuation notice. The County Auditor's office can provide specific deadlines and required forms.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
Washington County Public Access > Property Detailwashcotax.co.washington.or.us
02
Tax Doc
2024 Tax Estimatorauditorwashingtoncountyohio.gov
03
Tax Doc
Washington Property Tax Ratenacdashboard.nara.gov
04
General Informationauditorwashingtoncountyohio.gov
05
County
Cuyahoga County Treasurer Tax Collection Calendarcuyahogacounty.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Resource Hub - Ohio Department of Taxationtax.ohio.gov
07
Homestead Exemption Programauditorwashingtoncountyohio.gov
08
Current Agricultural Use Valuation (CAUV)auditorwashingtoncountyohio.gov
09
Homestead Exemption Applications Again Availableauditorwashingtoncountyohio.gov
10
County
WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO MARIETTA, ...ohioauditor.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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